Mounted Camera Suspension and Stabilization Systems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspension systems via one tension line passing through the fulcrum point of a telescoping boom pole with lift force created by an independent line suspension to stabilize the camera load as well as provide an even lift force from the floor to several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need for counterweights. The apparatus provides for an even lift force throughout the vertical range of the camera load that also further dampens vibrations and operator body movements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/951,980 filed Apr. 12, 2018, which claims thebenefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/484,532 filed onApr. 12, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to mounted camerasuspension and stabilization systems that can be worn by a user.

Cameras and camera rigs can be heavy to hold for even a short durationof time. Conventional rigs that support cameras often introduce unwantedtransmitted body movements and shake. They also limit the range ofvertical positioning and travel.

In addition, conventional systems that utilize tension cords or elastictubing, present buoyancy over a range too limited to provide even liftfrom floor to overhead of the operator in a single vertical cameramovement. As a result, such systems have to be preset in each differentposition. In addition to this limited range, unwanted body motion andfootsteps are transmitted through the ridged supports, through thelines, and into the load.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system with an even lift tensionthroughout an extended vertical range of the camera load without theneed to utilize counterweights, and can also further dampen vibrationsand operator body movements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a body mounted camerasuspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolatedsuspension systems, via telescopic poles, to create lift as well asstabilize a camera load, providing an even lift tension from the floorto several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without theneed for counterweights. Various examples of the systems are providedherein.

In an example, the present system provides a hand held camera, and handheld camera gimbal operators, that provide relief from the heavy weightof the camera and camera rig by displacing the weight of the equipmentto the hips and torso of the user. As a result, the system stabilizesall unwanted transmitted body motion derived from the user whileoperating the camera system. Further, the present system creates an evenlift tension throughout an increased vertical range from the floor toseveral feet above the operators head in a single smooth camera move.

The present system utilizes the use of actively moving articulated armsthat create lift from a suspension system mechanically isolated from theelastic tubing that is suspended from the arms, which supports thecamera load. The camera line passes through a fulcrum clamp housing afulcrum bearing roller on the fulcrum axis of the articulated arm and istensioned separately from the tension line on the rear of thearticulated arm. Because the elastic tubing supporting the camera loadis routed through the boom arm fulcrum axis, there is no tension createdor influence exerted on the lift of the arm created by the separatelyrouted elastic tubing from the rear of the arm. This method providesisolation between the independent forces of these two lift factors,further isolating body motion. The double independent suspension systemprovides an even lift tension throughout a much greater vertical travelrange of the camera compared to conventional systems.

For example, conventional systems often utilize rigidly positioned armsand support structures that limit vertical lift range and elasticity,creating unwanted camera shake as well as a limited range of boom heightwithin a given camera move. The conventional systems limit the amount ofelasticity in the line by limiting the travel distance. Further, in suchsystems, tension adjustments need to be performed with the device offthe operator's body or be performed by a second remote person.

In contrast, the present system and apparatus allows for an even lifttension throughout the vertical range of the camera load that alsofurther dampens vibrations and operator body movements. The system alsoallows for active operator tension adjustments while the apparatus is onthe body of the operator. The systems allows for stable photography formotion picture or still photography where high and low angles need to beachieved.

Although the present disclosure focuses on a camera mounting system, thepresent system and apparatus is not limited to such application. Thesystem can be used for any activity requiring steady instrumentationthat needs weight displacement, stability, and reach access (e.g., apainting apparatus).

The present apparatus can include a body mounted vest that secures thedevice to the user, wherein telescopic articulating poles withadjustable lift, of which tensioning is isolating from separate lengthsof elastic tubing that is used to suspend the camera load. Thetelescopic sections on the vertical boom mast poles create variance inboom arm height to effect the vertical travel ranges of the suspendedcamera load. The tension can be independently adjusted from the sides ofthe waist of the vest worn by user for articulating arm lift andindependent camera line lift. The system can include U groove bearingrollers that transfer the stretch characteristics of the elastic tubingthroughout the length of the telescoping poles. The U groove rollerbearing can be mounted on the same radial fulcrum axis of thearticulating arm support bearings in order to route the camera loadelastic tubing.

The system can include a mechanism for supporting a camera load at thedistal ends of the elastic tubes. For example, the elastic tubes can beused to suspend a gimbal and/or camera housing frame, wherein the camerahousing frame connects to a camera. Further, the system can include anoperating frame that can engage with the camera housing frame, whereinthe operating frame can be used by a user to manipulate the position ofthe camera.

An advantage of the present system is that it allows for active operatortension adjustments while the apparatus is on the body of the saidoperator and a camera load is being suspended.

A further advantage of the present system is presenting a system thatavoids a user to carry a heavy camera rig for any amount of time.

Another advantage of the system is avoiding unwanted transmitted bodymovements from a user controlling the camera.

Another advantage of the present system is providing for verticalpositioning and travel.

Another advantage is the ability of the operator to carry the load forextended durations due to the elimination of heavy counterweights neededto create a floor to ceiling lift range.

Another advantage includes the isolation of the two lift forces fromthat of the boom arm and that of the elastic tubing holding the cameraload is created via the routing of the load lift tubing through abearing roller on the same fulcrum axis and drive shaft as thestructural pivoting bearings for the fulcrum clamp of the overheadarticulated telescopic boom pole. In addition, the force exerted throughthe top elastic tubing running through the fulcrum bearing has noinfluence on the hit of the boom pole, but the top elastic tubing justsupporting the camera load (e.g., camera housing frame). This is one ofthe most unique principals of how this device removes footsteps that isdifferent from any other device.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned byproduction or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages ofthe concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies,instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the camera mountingsupport and stabilization system as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a front portion of thevest.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a back portion of the vestincluding the roller frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the back portion of thevest including the roller frame and the vertical adjustable frame.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a vertical adjustable armframe positioned on the back portion of the vest.

FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of, wherein FIG. 6A depicts an exampleof a U bearing roller, wherein FIG. 6B depicts a boom pole clamp mountedto an articulating hinge fulcrum.

FIGS. 7A-7E are perspective views of an example of a U bearing roller onthe telescoping boom pole.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tensioning cam cleat assembly on thebody of the best for securing an elastic tubing.

FIGS. 9A-9B are perspective views of a U bearing roller within a hingejoint on the telescoping boom pole.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two separate elastic tubings thatoperate independently on a common roller axis to control the camerasuspension.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of an operating frame thatcan be used in combination with the body vest suspension system.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a crossbar of theoperating frame including a video monitor receiver.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of an elastic tube receiverhook.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an example of the vest system worn by a userand suspending a camera.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an example of the vest system worn by a user,wherein the system includes an operating frame to manipulate the camera.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the camera housing frame engaged withthe operating frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension andstabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspensionsystems, via telescopic boom poles, to create lift as well as stabilizea camera load, providing an even lift tension from the floor to severalfeet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need forcounterweights.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present system can include a body mounted system10 which holds the telescopic articulating arms 14 with adjustable lift,of which tensioning is isolated from separate lengths of top elastictubing 26/27 that suspend the camera load 50. As shown in FIG. 2, thevest 12 can be worn by a user, wherein the vest provides security aroundthe user's torso. The vest 12 can include shoulder area 16 and waistarea 18, wherein straps, buckles, belt, tightening ratchets, among othersecuring mechanism to secure the vest 12 to the user's shoulders andwaist.

The vest 12 can include a rigid front torso plate 13, such as a T-shapedpadded. The padded plate can connect to vest straps to secure the plateto the user, e.g., shoulder straps and waist straps. The padded torsoplate 13 can be adjustable length and width according to the user'sdimensions. Alternatively, or in addition to, the T-shaped padded plate13 can also be positioned on the back of a user's torso.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the system can include a back frame 20 secured toand by the shoulder straps, back pad, and the lower waist section of thevest body 12. The back frame 20 can include at least two rollers 24 toreceive top elastic tubing 26 and bottom elastic tubing 27 that can beused to adjust the position of two boom poles 14 and thereby thesuspended camera 50. Two telescoping mast poles 15 can be connected tothe back frame 20 and/or back plate 32, wherein each mast pole includesa mast pole fixed end 60 and a mast pole telescoping end 62, wherein themast pole fixed end 60 is attached to the back frame 20, wherein themast pole telescoping end 62 is configured to extend above the backframe 20, wherein the mast pole telescoping end 62 connects to a hingefulcrum clamp 30. In an example, the fulcrum clamp 30 includes a fulcrumbearing roller to receive the top elastic tubing. The mast poles 15 areheld in place on each side by the back frame, wherein the mast poles 15provide swivel capabilities. Each telescopic mast pole 15 includes ahinged fulcrum clamp 30 positioned on the telescoping end of the mastpole 15. The system 10 further includes two telescoping boom poles 14that connect via the hinged fulcrum clamp 30, wherein the boom poles 14can extend to suspend a load such as a motion picture camera 50 via agimbal.

In an example, boom poles 14 are used to suspend, via elastic tubing, acamera housing frame 44 in front of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7E, the telescopic boom poles 14 include a firstend 52 and a second end 54, wherein the first end 52 extends over theuser's shoulder when extended, and connects to the extended frame 44 viathe top elastic tubing 26. The second end 54 connects to the back frame50 via the bottom elastic tubing 27. The telescopic boom poles 14 cansuspend the camera load 50 via the top elastic tubing 26 passing througha top U groove bearing roller 25 that are included on each first end 52of the boom poles 14. The second end 54 of the boom poles 14 havebearing U rollers 24 for receiving the bottom elastic tubing 27 that canbe anchored by the back frame 20 through adjustable cinch cleats 28.

FIG. 6A illustrates a U bearing roller 24 for receiving the top elastictubing 26 used for controlling the placement of the boom pole 14. Asshown in FIG. 6B, the boom poles 14 can be supported by two articulatingclamps 22 supported by the hinged fulcrum clamp 30. Additional U bearingrollers can be included along each of the boom poles 14 and mast poles15 for receiving the top elastic tubing 26 and the bottom elastic tubing27, respectively.

In other words, the system includes two independent paths of elastictubing. The bearing rollers 24 that suspend the camera housing frame 44for the camera load 50 has an independent path of elastic tubing 26 thatalso passes to independent adjustable cinch cleats 28. A second elastictubing 27 (i.e., the bottom elastic tubing 27) is connected to thesecond end of the vertical boom pole 14, wherein the bottom elastictubing 27 is secured by the cinch cleats 28.

The cinch cleats 28 can be positioned on the waist portion 18 of thevest. Alternatively, the cinch cleats can be on a separate belt for theuser. The cinch cleats 28 are used to securing and adjusting the elastictubing. The poles can be held from the pivoting pole support clamp 22supported by bearings within hinges 30, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, atoptwo vertical telescopic boom poles 14 arising from the back plate 32between the upper and lower vest sections. As shown in FIG. 10, andmentioned previously here, two independent elastic tubes (i.e., topelastic tube 26 and the bottom elastic tubing 27) can be used to providelift tension to the arm via passing through the rear U groove roller 24bearings, from the rear plate anchor points, and pass throughout theside cleats 28 for tensioning.

The vertical telescoping masts 15 can telescope out to different lengthsto raise and lower the boom poles 14. The masts 15 can also pivot onaxis. The vertical poles 14 can also slide fore and aft through the boompole fulcrum clamp 30 to enable a longer rear length of arm from thefulcrum point 30 to create more lift tension. The elastic tubes 26 canattach to the camera hooks 38 on the end of the extended frame 44,wherein the elastic tubes 26 thread through the U groove roller bearings25 on the first end 52 of the boom poles 14, proceed through the armfulcrum axis U groove roller bearings 24, through an independent set ofU groove roller bearing assemblies affixed to the back plate 20, to thetensioning cleats 28 on the side of the waist section of the vest body12.

The system 10 isolates camera motion and gives a range of movementthrough the use of two isolated suspension systems (i.e., top elastictubing 26 and bottom elastic tubing 27). A first suspension system viathe bottom elastic tubing 27 is used for the rear counter force of theup-and-down articulation of the telescopic poles 14 over the right andleft shoulder of the operator. This is achieved via the elastic tubing27 threaded from an anchor point on the frame, through the rear bearingroller on the boom poles 14, back to bearing rollers on the back frame20 to the tensioning cam cleats 28 on each side of the lower waistsection of the vest. The second isolated suspension system is achievedthrough the top elastic tubing 26 directly connecting to the camera loadthrough the front bearing roller 25 of each overhead articulatedtelescopic boom pole 14. Once the vertical poles 14 are extended and thelift tension is set via the top elastic tubing 26 and bottom elastictubing 27, the excess elastic tubing 26 on the outside of the cam cleats28 can be wrapped or folded away in pouches on the lower front of thevest.

The system 10 provides dual lift force isolation by the camera supporttubing being routed through a bearing roller 24 on the same fulcrum axisand drive shaft as the structural pivoting bearings for the fulcrumclamp 30 of the overhead articulated telescopic boom pole 14. In anexample, there is no mechanical influence from the force lifting thearticulating overhead boom poles 14 to that of the force routing throughthe fulcrum point, e.g., fulcrum clamp 30, that is actually suspendingthe camera load from the poles 14. In other words, there is nomechanical influence from the force exerted from the elastic tubing 27lifting the articulating overhead telescopic boom poles 14 to that ofthe force exerted from elastic tubing 26 routing through the fulcrumpoint suspending the camera load from the telescopic boom poles 14. Theeffect of the dual isolated suspension is double dampening of any bodymotion by the user, as well as improved vertical range. The top elastictubing 26 proceeds through multiple rollers 24 on the back frame 20 forextended elasticity, to two independent cam cleats 28 for independenttensioning for both arm lift via elastic tube 26 (e.g., boom poles 14and mast poles 15) and camera load lift (e.g., camera housing frame 44and/or operating frame 55).

The camera line top elastic tubing 26 can connect to receiving hooks 38of a camera receiving frame 44, wherein the camera receiving frame 44can tilt the camera 50 via an adjustable fulcrum point bearing 40. Thefulcrum bearing 40 at the receiving hooks 38 can maintain the cameraload level such that the camera load is on the same axis as thesuspension point from the elastic tube 26. Such configuration isolatesany unintentional up and down (Z axis) movement from the operator's armsas it is absorbed in the rotation of the bearing 40 and not translatingto vertical up and down movement avoiding shake in the camera load.

In an example, the end of the elastic tubing 26 can include a ballbearing 40 that can be hooked into the receiver hooks 38 to suspend theextended frame assembly 44 from the vertical poles 14. The camerahousing frame 44 can include a bearing 40 with a vertical adjustment totilt the camera at the center of gravity point for camera/gimballeveling. In an example, the camera receiving frame 44 can engage withan operating frame 55, as shown in FIG. 11, that can include ahorizontal crossbar 30, at least two handles 33, and a camera receivingmechanism (e.g., camera mounting section) to secure the camera 50 to thecamera receiving frame 44, as shown in FIG. 16. The fulcrum bearing 40can be used with the operating frame 55 such that the bearing maintainsthe gimbal (and/or camera housing frame 44) and the camera 50 levelthrough the vertical travel and isolates the Z-axis motion from theoperator's movements. The pivot axis of the bearing 40 is at the pointof suspension from the elastic tubing 26.

As shown in FIG. 14, moving the camera 50 up and down can be performedalmost effortlessly by raising and lowering the camera load via the topelastic tubes 26 and bottom elastic tubes 27. Additional controlinterfaces can be mounted on the handles. By attaching a camera housingframe 44 wherein the camera housing frame 44 includes handles, extravertical lift range from floor to overhead can be achieved without theoperator needing to bend down, and can extend a pass the operatorsreach. In an example, the camera housing frame 44 can be a conventionalgimbal.

As shown in FIG. 15, the system 10 is shown operated by a user whereinthe camera housing frame 44 is used in combination with the operatingframe 55, such as the operating frame 55 of FIG. 11. The operating frame55 can engage with a gimbal that can include a horizontal bar andhandles, wherein the handles are replaced with the handles of theoperating frame 55. The operator can directly hold the gimbal with rigidfixed handles 33 of the operating frame 55 and can manually tilt and panthe camera 50. By using the operating frame 55, the gimbal can staylevel via the two bearings 40 and the tilt manipulation can becontrolled by a third-party electric remote control.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, the operator can raise andlower the camera 50 by applying a rotational force on the handles 33 ofthe operating frame 55 with his wrists in combination with moving hisarms, wherein the force can raise the arm and tilt it up, yet not twistit on and axial rotation. In this configuration, just raising his armsor hands without applying a rotational angular force with his wrists,will lift the telescopic arms attached to these bearings, but will notcause the camera to move up and down. Such configuration offers afurther level of Z axis (up and down) isolation.

FIG. 16 illustrates an close-up view of the bearing 40 that keeps thegimbal and/or camera level throughout the vertical boom range, floor toceiling. In this configuration there can be a third party electricjoystick control to tilt and pan the camera electrically. In an example,the crossbar with the monitor 60 attached keeps a level view regardlessof the height of the camera.

A monitor 60 can be mounted on a crossbar 30 of the operating frame 55between the two extension rods where the monitor 60 can be viewed at anappropriate viewing angle. However, the present device 10 can be used tohold any handheld instrument that requires weight displacement from theoperator's arms to the hips, as well as the body motion stabilization ofthat load, not only camera systems. Any steady instrumentation thatrequires weight displacement, stability and reach access, such as apainting apparatus.

In an example, the system 10 can be used with other mounting systems.For example, the vertical articulating arm supports and the U grooveroller assemblies can be mounted to a modular frame that can attach to asingle point on a lower section of a body garment and/or chair that canmount the cleat assembly.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to theembodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishingits attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of thesystems and methods may be provided based on various combinations of thefeatures and functions from the subject matter provided herein.

We claim:
 1. A camera suspension system comprising: a vest body to be worn by a user; a fixed back frame positioned on the vest body; at least two mast poles extending from the back frame, wherein the mast pole connects to a hinge fulcrum clamp, wherein each the hinge fulcrum clamp connects to a boom pole, wherein each boom pole includes a boom pole back end and a boom pole front end; a top elastic tubing connecting a camera housing frame to the boom pole front end through a front bearing roller positioned on the boom pole front end; a bottom elastic tubing connected to the boom pole back end through a back bearing roller positioned on the boom pole back end; and tensioning cam cleats positioned on the vest body, wherein the tensioning cam cleats receive the top elastic tubing and the bottom elastic tubing, wherein a tension of the top elastic tubing and a tension of the bottom elastic tubing are adjustable by the user via the tensioning cam cleats.
 2. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the top elastic tubing and the bottom elastic tubing operate independent of each other.
 3. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein increased tension of the top elastic tubing lowers the boom pole front end.
 4. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein increased tension of the bottom elastic tubing lowers the boom pole back end and raises the boom pole front end.
 5. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the top elastic tubing is thread through at least one bearing roller connected to the boom pole front end.
 6. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the bottom elastic tubing is thread through at least one bearing roller connected to the boom pole back end.
 7. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the tensioning cam cleats are located on a waist portion of the vest body.
 8. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the camera housing frame includes at least two camera hooks to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end.
 9. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the camera housing frame includes at least two camera hooks to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end, wherein the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end includes a spherical body to engage with the camera hook.
 10. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the camera housing frame includes a horizontal bar with a camera hook on each end of the horizontal bar to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end.
 11. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the camera housing frame includes a horizontal bar with a camera hook on each end of the horizontal bar to receive the two top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front ends, wherein the horizontal bar includes a camera mounting section to receive a camera.
 12. The camera support vest of claim 1, wherein the front bearing roller positioned on the boom pole front end is on a same axis as the fulcrum clamp housing the boom pole, wherein the top elastic tubing moves through the front bearing roller and through a fulcrum bearing within the fulcrum clamp, wherein the top elastic tubing connects the boom pole front end to the camera housing frame.
 13. A camera suspension system comprising: a vest body to be worn by a user; an articulating arm connected to the vest body, wherein the articulating arm includes a front end and a back end; a first elastic tubing connected to the articulating arm, wherein the first elastic tubing supports a camera load, wherein the first elastic tubing passes through a fulcrum point of the articulating arm; a second elastic tubing connected to a rear portion of the articulating arm; and tensioning cam cleats positioned on the vest body, wherein the tensioning cam cleats receive the first elastic tubing and the second elastic tubing, wherein a tension of the first elastic tubing and a tension of the second elastic tubing are adjustable by the user via the tensioning cam cleats, wherein the first elastic tubing and the second elastic tubing operate independently to isolate movement of the camera load from movement of the user.
 14. The camera support vest of claim 13, wherein the articulating arm connects to the vest body via a mast pole connected to the fulcrum point of the articulating arm.
 15. The camera support vest of claim 13, wherein wherein the camera housing frame includes at least two camera hooks to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end.
 16. The camera support vest of claim 13, wherein the camera load includes a camera housing frame, wherein the camera housing frame includes at least two camera hooks to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end, wherein the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end includes a spherical body to engage with the camera hook.
 17. The camera support vest of claim 13, wherein the camera load includes a camera housing frame, wherein the camera housing frame includes a horizontal bar with a camera hook on each end of the horizontal bar to receive the top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front end.
 18. The camera support vest of claim 13, wherein the camera load includes a camera housing frame, wherein the camera housing frame includes a horizontal bar with a camera hook on each end of the horizontal bar to receive the two top elastic tubing extending from the boom pole front ends, wherein the horizontal bar includes a camera mounting section to receive a camera. 